Tropical Storm Lorenzo Forms Over Central Atlantic

Tropical Storm Lorenzo formed over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean on Monday morning,  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Lorenzo was located at latitude 14.2°N and longitude 40.3°W which put the center about 1095 miles (1760 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands.  Lorenzo was moving toward the northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

A low pressure system over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean west of the Cabo Verde Islands strengthened on Monday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Lorenzo.

More thunderstorms were forming near the center of Tropical Storm Lorenzo on Monday morning.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the northern and eastern parts of Lorenzo’s circulation.  Bands in the southern and western parts of Lorenzo consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Lorenzo began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north and east of the tropical storm.

The strongest winds were occurring in the northeastern part of Tropical Storm Lorenzo.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Lorenzo’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Lorenzo were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Lorenzo will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lorenzo will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level low that is northeast of South America.  The upper level low will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lorenzo’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Lorenzo could intensify during the next 24 hours if the upper level winds do not get any stronger.

Tropical Storm Lorenzo will move around the eastern side of a high pressure system that is over the eastern Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Lorenzo toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Lorenzo could approach the Azores at the end of the week.

Nakri Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Nakri strengthened to a typhoon south of Japan on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Nakri was located at latitude 32.0°N and longitude 137.4°E which put the center about 285 miles (460 km) southwest of Tokyo, Japan.  Nakri was moving toward the east-northeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 982 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Nakri strengthened to a typhoon south of Japan on Sunday.  A small circular eye was present at the center of Typhoon Nakri.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the northern and eastern parts of Nakri’s circulation.  Bands in the southern and western sides of Typhoon Nakri consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Nakri generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the typhoon.

Winds to typhoon force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of Typhoon Nakri.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 110 miles (175 km) in the eastern half of Nakri’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the western side of Typhoon Nakri.

Typhoon Nakri will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Nakri will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is west of Japan.  The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Nakri’s circulation.  However, the winds in the lower atmosphere will also blow from the west.  So, there will not be a lot of vertical wind shear. Typhoon Nakri is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough that is west of Japan will steer Typhoon Nakri toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Nakri will pass south of Tokyo in 12 hours.

Raymond Weakens to a Tropical Depression

Former Tropical Storm Raymond weakened to a tropical depression south of Baja California on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Raymond was located at latitude 22.5°N and longitude 109.9°W which put the center about 30 miles (50 km) south of the southern tip of Baja California.  Raymond was moving toward the north-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Raymond weakened to a tropical depression south of Baja California on Saturday.  Most of the thunderstorms in Raymond’s circulation dissipated.  The bands revolving around the center of Tropical Depression Raymond consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  There were no thunderstorms near the center of Raymond’s circulation to generate upper level divergence.  Converging winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere caused the surface pressure to increase.

Tropical Depression Raymond will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Raymond will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge that is over Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Raymond’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The strong wind shear will cause Tropical Depression Raymond to continue to weaken.

Tropical Depression Raymond will move around the western side of a high pressure system that is over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Raymond toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Raymond will move across the southern part of Baja California on Saturday night.

Tropical Depression Raymond will bring gusty winds and isolated heavy rain to parts of southern Baja California.

Tropical Storm Nakri Moves South of Japan

Tropical Storm Nakri moved south of Japan on Saturday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Nakri was located at latitude 29.1°N and longitude 132.0°E which put the center about 320 miles (515 km) south-southwest of Kochi, Japan.  Nakri was moving toward the north-northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

Tropical Storm Nakri started to strengthen on Saturday as it moved south of Japan.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Nakri’s circulation.  An eye appeared to be forming at the center of Tropical Storm Nakri.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Nakri’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Nakri generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Storm Nakri was relatively small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Nakri’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Nakri will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Nakri will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is west of Japan.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Nakri’s circulation.  However, the winds in the lower atmosphere will also blow from the west.  So, there will not be a lot of vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Nakri will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Nakri could strengthen to a typhoon on Sunday.

The upper level trough that is west of Japan will steer Tropical Storm Nakri toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Nakri will move south of Honshu on Sunday.

Tropical Storm Raymond Moves West of Mexico

Tropical Storm Raymond moved west of Mexico on Friday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Raymond was located at latitude 19.1°N and longitude 106.5°W which put the center about 145 miles (230 km) west of Manzanillo, Mexico.  Raymond was moving toward the northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to Cabo Corrientes, Mexico.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Las Islas Marias.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Los Barriles to Santa Fe, Mexico.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Raymond was still asymmetrical on Friday afternoon. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern and western parts of Raymond’s circulation.  Bands in the northern and eastern parts of Tropical Storm Raymond consisted primarily of shower and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Raymond generated some upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Raymond was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Raymond’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Raymond will move through an environment that will be only marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Raymond will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge that is over Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Raymond’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The strong wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Raymond is likely to weaken on Saturday because of the strong vertical wind shear.

Tropical Storm Raymond will move around the western side of a high pressure system that is over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Raymond toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Raymond will reach the southern end of Baja California on Saturday.

Tropical Storm Raymond will bring gust winds and locally heavy rain to the southern part of Baja California.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Storm Priscilla weakened west of Baja California.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Priscilla was located at latitude 26.3°N and longitude 115.4°W which put the center about 220 miles (355 km) west-northwest of Cabo San Lazaro, Mexico.  Priscilla was moving toward the north at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

Tropical Storm Jerry Drops Heavy Rain on Northern Leeward Islands

Although it was not very well organized, bands in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Jerry dropped heavy rain on some of the Northern Leeward Islands on Friday morning.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Jerry was located at latitude 19.8°N and longitude 63.3°W which put the center about 110 miles (175 km) north of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Jerry was moving toward the northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, and Sint Maarten.

Tropical Storm Jerry weakened on Thursday night.  The circulation around Jerry was not very well organized on Friday morning.  Strong easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere continued to push the bottom part of Tropical Storm Jerry to the northwest of the middle and upper level circulations.  Bands near the center of the low level circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  The bands in the western and northern sides of Jerry’s circulation also consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Jerry.  Some of those thunderstorms were dropping heavy rain on the Northern Leeward Islands.

The strongest winds were occurring in the bands of thunderstorms in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Jerry.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) in the eastern side of Jerry’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Jerry.  The winds in the southwestern quadrant of Jerry were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move through an environment that will be mostly unfavorable for development during the next 24 hours.  Jerry will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level low that is north of Puerto Rico.  The upper level low will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Jerry’s circulation.  Since strong easterly winds are blowing in the lower levels of the atmosphere, there will continue to be strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Jerry could weaken during the next 24 hours because of the strong vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear could decrease during the weekend, when Jerry moves into a region where the winds in the lower level will blow from the south.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Jerry toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Jerry will move away from the Northern Leeward Islands on Friday.

Tropical Storm Jerry will continue to drop heavy rain on some of the Northern Leeward Islands on Friday.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Subtropical Storm Karen formed at the center of an occluded extratropical cyclone north of the Azores.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Karen was located at latitude 45.3°N and longitude 32.1°W which put the center about 570 miles (915 km) north-northwest of the Azores.  Karen was moving toward the northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.

Tropical Storm Jerry Nears Northern Leeward Islands

Tropical Storm Jerry neared the Northern Leeward Islands on Thursday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Jerry was located at latitude 17.3°N and longitude 60.6°W which put the center about 175 miles (285 km) east-southeast of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Jerry was moving toward the west-northwest at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for Anguilla, Barbuda, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, and Guadeloupe.

Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Saba, and St. Eustatius.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Jerry was still not well organized on Thursday afternoon.  Strong easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere continued to push the bottom part of Tropical Storm Jerry to the northwest of the middle and upper level circulations.  Bands near the center of the low level circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. The bands in the western and northern sides of Jerry’s circulation also consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Jerry.

The strongest winds were occurring in the bands of thunderstorms in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Jerry.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the eastern side of Jerry’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Jerry.  The winds in the southwestern quadrant of Jerry were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move through an environment that will be mostly unfavorable for development during the next 24 hours.  Jerry will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level low that is north of Puerto Rico.  The upper level low will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Jerry’s circulation.  Since strong easterly winds are blowing in the lower levels of the atmosphere, there will continue to be strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Jerry could even weaken during the next 24 hours because of the strong vertical wind shear.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move around the southwestern side of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Jerry toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Jerry will pass near the Northern Leeward Islands on Thursday night.

Tropical Storm Jerry will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the Northern Leeward Islands.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Since the strongest winds are in the eastern part of Tropical Storm Jerry, the strongest winds may not hit the Northern Leeward Islands.

Tropical Storm Raymond Forms South of Mexico

Tropical Storm Raymond formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico on Thursday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Raymond was located at latitude 16.1°N and longitude 101.0°W which put the center about 115 miles (185 km) south-southeast of Zihuatanejo, Mexico.  Raymond was moving toward the northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Zihuatanejo to Cabo Corrientes, Mexico.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico strengthened on Thursday and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Raymond.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Raymond was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern and western parts of Raymond’s circulation.  Bands in the northern and eastern parts of Tropical Storm Raymond consisted primarily of shower and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Raymond started to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Raymond will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Raymond will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that is over Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Raymond’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The strong wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Raymond could intensify a little on Friday if the upper level winds do not get any stronger.

Tropical Storm Raymond will move around the western side of a high pressure system that is over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Raymond toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Raymond will move near the coast of Mexico between Zihuatanejo and Cabo Corrientes on Friday.

Tropical Storm Raymond will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to coastal sections of Colima, Michoacan, and western Guerrero.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Priscilla continued to weaken west of Baja California.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Priscilla was located at latitude 23.8°N and longitude 114.7°W which put the center about 165 miles (265 km) west-southwest of Cabo San Lazaro, Mexico.  Priscilla was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 996 mb.

Tropical Storm Jerry Speeds Toward Northern Leeward Islands

Tropical Storm Jerry was speeding toward the Northern Leeward Islands on Wednesday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Jerry was located at latitude 14.8°N and longitude 54.7°W which put the center about 605 miles (970 km) east-southeast of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Jerry was moving toward the west-northwest at 23 m.p.h. (37 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barthelemy, St, Kitts, Nevis, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Montserrat, and Guadeloupe.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Jerry was not well organized on Wednesday afternoon.  Strong easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere pushed the bottom part of Tropical Storm Jerry to the west of the middle and upper level circulations.  Bands near the center of the low level circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  The bands in the western side of Jerry’s circulation also consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Thunderstorms were still developing in bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Jerry.

The strongest winds were occurring in the bands of thunderstorms in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Jerry.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the eastern side of Jerry’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Jerry.  The winds in the southwestern quadrant of Jerry were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move through an environment that will be marginally favorable for development during the next 24 hours.  Jerry will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Jerry’s circulation.  However, the stronger easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will continue to cause vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Jerry could intensify during the next 24 hours if the winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere weaken.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Jerry quickly toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Jerry will approach the Northern Leeward Islands on Thursday afternoon.

Tropical Storm Jerry is likely to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the Northern Leeward Islands on Thursday night and Friday.

Typhoon Halong Passes South of Tokyo

Typhoon Halong passed south of Tokyo on Wednesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Halong was located at latitude 32.8°N and longitude 140.3°E which put the center about 195 miles (315 km) south of Tokyo, Japan.  Halong was moving toward the northeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 946 mb.

Typhoon Halong was starting to weaken as it passed south of Tokyo on Wednesday.  A circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) was still present at the center of Halong’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Halong.  Storms near the center of Halong generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the typhoon.  The removal of mass was less than the inflow of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure was increasing.

The circulation around Typhoon Halong increased in size on Wednesday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Halong’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of Typhoon Halong.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Halong was 23.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 37.5.  Typhoon Halong was similar in intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.  Halong is bigger than Dennis was.

Typhoon Halong will move through an environment that will become more unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Halong will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C.  It will move under the southern extent of the upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes.  The upper level westerly winds will blow toward the top of Halong’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  Cooler Sea Surface Temperatures and more vertical wind shear will cause Typhoon Halong to weaken during the next 24 hours.  Halong is likely to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone during the next few days.

The upper level westerly winds will steer Typhoon Halong quickly toward the east during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Halong will move away from Japan on Thursday.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Nakri former southwest of Iwo To.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Nakri was located at latitude 22.3°N and longitude 136.0°E which put the center about 625 miles (1010 km) south-southeast of Okinawa.  Nakri was moving toward the northwest at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.